Abstract: In an optical system, a lens array comprises a plurality of gradient index lenses arranged in a plurality of rows. The lens array is aligned with an image bar having a plurality of pixel rows in such a manner that each pixel row in the image bar is symmetrically arranged with respect to lens rows having fields of view encompassing the pixel row.

Abstract: A surface layer on an imaging member has a surface roughness which reduces the force necessary for blade cleaning, reduces blade edge truck, reduces blade/substrate friction, inhibits the formation of toner-type deposits on the imaging surface, and/or reduces or eliminates light interference patterns resulting from coherent light, for example, from a raster output scanner.

Abstract: A fuser temperature control in a machine having a first temperature sensor contacting a fuser roll surface, a prefuser transport for conveying copy sheets to the fuser, a controller and a second sensor electrically connected to the first sensor and positioned adjacent the path of said copy sheets to sense the temperature of the copy sheets and the ambient temperature of the machine at the entry to the fuser, wherein the fuser roll temperature is controlled in response to variations in the ambient temperature at the pre-fuser transport and the temperature of the copy sheets.

Abstract: An ink handling system in an ink jet printer. In accordance with the invention an ink handling system is constructed including two ink processing loops. A first relatively low-volume, high pressure ink handling loop or circuit routes ink to an ink jet printhead for directing one or more columns of ink toward a printing medium. A second relatively high volume yet low-pressure loop or circuit routes ink through a number of processing stations which, for example, include ink de-aeration, filtration, and temperature control. The bulk of the processing is performed in this second loop, yet limited processing steps are also performed in the high-pressure, low-volume circuit which directs ink to the printhead. As ink is lost due to evaporation and/or printing on the print medium, the ink is replenished via an ink source which is coupleable to a main ink tank forming a portion of the high-volume ink handling loop.

Abstract: A heat and pressure roll fusing apparatus for fixing toner images to copy substrates, the toner comprising a thermoplastic resin. The apparatus includes a heated, either internally or externally, fuser roll cooperating with a backup or pressure roll to form a nip through which the copy substrates pass with the images contacting the heated roll. The heated fuser roll is characterized by an outer layer or surface fabricated from a silicone rubber material to which a low viscosity polymeric release fluid is applied, the silicone rubber being susceptible to swelling in the presence of the release fluid. A release fluid metering system is provided which includes a tapered roll that is adapted to apply release fluid to the entire outer fuser roll surface or to only a portion thereof depending upon the size substrate being utilized.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing toner images electrostatically adhered to copy paper or other suitable support material. The apparatus is characterized by the provision of a plurality of radiant energy sources through which the copy paper having the toner images thereon is moved such that the radiant heat energy softens the toner whereby the toner becomes impregnated in the paper fibers. The apparatus is further characterized by the provision of paper transport structure for moving the copy paper intermediate the radiant heat sources without physically contacting the sources, said transporting means comprising a first transport disposed adjacent the inlet to the fixing apparatus and a second transport disposed adjacent the outlet thereof.