Abstract: An intelligent power tool system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: A testing apparatus determines when an electric motor is acceptable based on measured parameters and fuzzy logic. The testing apparatus measures the following motor parameters: a time for the motor to reach a running speed in a steady-state, thus forming a time-to-speed; a difference between an instantaneous speed and an average speed in the steady-state, thus forming a speed variation; a maximum value of the motor current, thus forming a maximum current; a motor current in the steady-state, thus forming a running current; and a motor vibration energy in the steady-state, thus forming a vibration energy. Based on the measured motor parameters, the testing apparatus then uses fuzzy logic to determine when the motor is acceptable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing whether a solenoid in an image forming system is functioning properly is disclosed. An actuating current is sent to a particular solenoid while a current waveform and elapsed time such as pull-in time value are noted for instances when the solenoid is in a first position and a second position. The first position can be one in which a solenoid plunger is extended and the second position can be one in which the solenoid plunger is retracted, or vice versa. Based at least partially on the measured actuating current values prior to the beginning and after the ending of solenoid movement, and measured time values, a determination can be made as to whether the solenoid is functioning properly by comparing these values to predetermined values for a properly functioning solenoid.

Abstract: A printing system for automatically print-filling in an original form includes a scanner, a printer unit, an operator input unit, a display unit, a main processor and unit controllers. The original form is scanned to create a bitmap thereof that is stored in a first memory area as a first document including fill-in areas. A second blank document is created and stored in a second memory area. The first and second documents are displayed with the second document overlaying the first document. Required fill-in information is operator inputted onto the second document in areas thereof overlaying the fill-in areas in the first document. The original form is then loaded into the printer unit and the second document is selectively printed automatically onto the loaded original form.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling feeding in a bottom vacuum corrugation feeder when sheets with curl are encountered includes a timer and a sensor for detecting the negative pressure level in a vacuum plenum of the vacuum feeder. The vacuum pressure sensor gives a signal proportional to the degree of vacuum behind feeder belt holes that are in communication with the vacuum plenum. The vacuum pressure sensor is used to measure the instantaneous level of vacuum in the plenum, as well as, to detect the point at which sheet acquisition has occurred. The sensor is interrogated at predetermined intervals during the acquisition portion of the feed cycle. At each interval, the current pressure level detected in the vacuum plenum by the vacuum pressure sensor is compared to a reference value for that interval.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a server electrically connected to an image processing machine provides local data access and includes a monitor component, an analysis and prediction component to analyze data to track machine trends and predict machine subsytem and element faults, a diagnostic component capable of machine diagnostics at a higher level, components, and a communication component to provide a remote communication link. In a second embodiment, a first level of server modules are directly connected to given machines, a second level of server modules with trend analysis and diagnostic capability are connected to a network and associated with a set of machines on the network, and a third level of server modules are associated with a plurality of sets of machines on the network with the analysis and prediction components and diagnostic components providing trend data, fault prediction data, and machine corrective data for the plurality of sets of machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing enhanced quality full color prints in an electrophotographic printing machine. In a electrophotographic printing machine in which multiple color separations are imaged and developed on a photoconductive member, a user selectable enhanced print mode is provided. In the enhanced print mode, each color separation is imaged and developed on the same imaging panel of the photoconductive member. This avoids a degradation in image quality due to physical variations and defects in the photoconductive member. The enhanced mode decreases machine productivity somewhat and is user selectable in situations when very high quality prints are desired.

Abstract: A device for diagnosing the condition of copy substrate sensors including a transparent test document supposing a plurality of stripes of predetermined optical density The stripes are arranged in descending optical density about a stripe of maximum density and a transporter conveys the test document into communication with the optical path of each sensor. Circuitry responds to the stripes of predetermined optical density to provide a timing pulse of response of each sensor to the test document. The timing pulse is a. digital step pulse identifying the range of optical sensitivity each sensor and the step pulse represents a given set of stripes that provide a detector signal exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: An electric motor including a housing defining an aperture therethrough is disclosed. The motor also includes an armature mounted in the housing and a brush mounted in the housing and slidably connected to the armature. The housing substantially encloses the armature and the brush. The aperture is positioned with respect to the brush so that the brush may be visible through the aperture and so that the remaining usable life of the brush may be visually determined while the electric motor is assembled.

Abstract: There is provided a method and device for automatically selecting a gloss finish for a print from an electrophotographic printing machine. The image characteristics and color content are determined and if the characteristics and content exceed a predetermined level, an auto gloss signal is generated by the machine controller. In one instance, a glossy substrate is selected upon which to print the image. In a second instance the fuser is adjusted so as to produce a glossy image output on the substrate. There is also a user selectable mode in which either all prints can be produced on a gloss substrate or on a matte substrate depending on the desired state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning particles from the imaging surface of the photoreceptor is by having a DC biased electrostatic brush remove the majority of the residual particles on the imaging surface with an AC biased brush as a follow-up for removal of residual particles. These particles have a predominant electrical polarity of right or wrong sign charge. The degree to which this AC biased brush removes each sign toner is controlled by the duty cycle. The responsibility of the first brush, in the direction of motion of the photoreceptor, is reduced by reducing the brush biases, the speed or the photoreceptor interference (BPI) of the first brush, in the direction of motion of the photoreceptor and allowing the second brush to take on higher percentage of the cleaning load. This enables longer brush life and reduces detoning stress. Alternatively, the second brush may increase in latitude, leaving the first brush parameters unchanged, enabling superior cleaning performance or reduced brush costs.

Abstract: A method of changing the reference timing of a sheet transport control in an imaging forming device for determining the validity of the timing of a sheet by comparing the actual timing of a sheet with a a given reference timing. Actual timings for a plurality of copy sheets in relation to a predetermined sensor are stored in memory. A typical time period from the plurality of copy sheets is then determined in relation to the sensor and the reference timing for the sensor is adjusted based upon the typical time period for the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the preclean corona current used in a printer or digital copier such that the preclean corona current is optimized for the dominant color entering the cleaner.

Abstract: A machine includes a scheme for detecting the level of curl in sheets in a stack by measuring the time it takes to acquire a sheet with a bottom corrugation vacuum feeder (BVCF). A vacuum switch changes state at a preset vacuum level thereby detecting any significant rise in vacuum which occurs when a sheet has been acquired by the BCVF. A digital control circuit senses the change of state which takes place in the vacuum switch and feeds a signal to the machine's microprocessor which in turn signals an air knife in the BVCF to increase or decrease air pressure toward the sheet stack to compensate for the stressed state of the sheets.

Abstract: A sheet feeding and separating apparatus for feeding sheets from a stack by exerting a drive force against the top sheet. The sheet is urged off the stack by a nudger roll toward a retard nip formed where a feed roll contacts a retard roll. The retard roll is movable relative to the feed roll, and thus is capable of producing drive forces of varying magnitude at the retard nip to propel a sheet toward the copying mechanism. A controller signals the nudger roll to urge a sheet off the stack and then monitors a sensor to determine whether the sheet passes through the retard nip. A misfeed condition occurs when the sensor fails to detect a sheet within a predetermined length of time. In response, the controller moves the retard roll toward the feed roll to increase the drive force exerted on the sheet. The retard roll is further adapted to detect the occurrence of a multifeed when multiple sheets contact the retard nip.

Abstract: A system for cleaning the environment of a machine includes the use of a vacuum device connected to tubular frame members which enclose the machine. The tubular frame members serve as air ducts for heat, dirt and ozone management.

Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive sheet decurling in an electrophotographic printing machine. A plurality of sensors are provided to determine the basis weight of the copy sheet, the density of the image being transferred to the copy sheet and fused thereon, the relative humidity of the machine environment, the process speed of the print engine, and any other relevant parameters. Signals indicative of these parameters are generated and sent to the machine controller which processes these signals and predicts the degree and direction of curl expected in a sheet. Based on the degree of and direction of curl, a bidirectional variable penetration decurler is actuated to a setting which should provide the proper amount of mechanical decurling force.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimizing fuser misstrips from a heat and pressure fuser in an electrophotographic printing machine. A plurality of sensors are provided to determine the basis weight of the copy sheet, the density of the image being transferred to the copy sheet and fused thereon, the relative humidity of the machine environment, the process speed of the print engine, etc. Signals indicative of all the variables are generated and sent to the machine controller which processes these signals and predicts when a fuser misstrip is likely to occur. Based on the likely degree of misstrip, a variety of actions are taken to prevent the misstrip. A stripper finger can be actuated to physically remove the sheet from the fuser member and/or the release agent management system can vary the amount of release agent applied to the fuser to assist in the removal of the copy sheet from the heated fuser member.

Abstract: An automatic recovery apparatus reduces the number of shut downs due to fuser misstrips in an electrophoto-graphic device. A fuser misstrip occurs if the lead edge of a copy sheet does not emerge from the fuser nip. The fuser roller and the photoreceptor drive roller are stopped. These rollers are driven in the reverse direction until the copy sheet is released from the fuser. The rollers are then driven in the forward direction so that the copy sheet is re-fused. This automatic recovery apparatus is used for a photoreceptor misstrip. If the copy sheet remains attached to the photoreceptor belt after passing the stripping zone, it will jam in the cleaner module. If a sensor detects the copy sheet is still attached to the belt after the stripping zone, then the photoreceptor belt is reversed and the stripping procedure is repeated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the bias of a cleaner used in a printer or digital copier such that the cleaner bias is optimized for the dominant color entering the cleaner.