Abstract: Drive train motor speed is varied in a manner that compensates for characteristic rotational velocity errors of the associated drive train, such as by modulating a drive train motor speed control signal at a modulation phase and amplitude derived from the characterized rotational velocity error. Characterization can be performed on a test system for each drive train of interest, and the compensation values thus obtained can be saved for later use by systems in which the characterized drive trains are used. Thus, a drive train used in a consumables cartridge for an electrophotographic printing (EP) system can be characterized and the corresponding data saved via a label or memory circuit that is affixed to the cartridge. Such data can be used by the EP system in which the cartridge is installed to more accurately control the velocity of the image forming process members driven by the cartridge's characterized drive train.

Abstract: A method of moving a transfer member from a first image transfer position to a second non-image transfer position after transfer of a toner image. This method reduces toner and photoconductor drum degradation in image forming apparatuses.